First ever Dickens Fest Nov. 30, Dec. 1

Friday

Nov 23, 2012 at 3:00 PM

Travel back in time to 1800s England, as Southeastern Colorado Creative Partnership collaborates with local venues in La Junta to host its first ever Dickens Fest! The Dickens fest is an event celebrating Charles Dickens, his works and traditions.

Travel back in time to 1800s England, as Southeastern Colorado Creative Partnership collaborates with local venues in La Junta to host its first ever Dickens Fest! The Dickens fest is an event celebrating Charles Dickens, his works and traditions.

Charles Dickens was born in February 1812 in Portsmouth, England. Much of his education was self-taught and he is said to have been the greatest novelist of the Victorian Era. He published 16 major works, all of which were published in sections either weekly or monthly. He also published minor works, Christmas books, and weekly magazines. He brought to us many unforgettable characters that portray hardship, generosity, perseverance, and redemption. As a result of his own childhood misfortune, Dickens had a heart for the poor and mistreated. He is an exemplary model who has encouraged many to give to humanity in extraordinary ways!

The spirit of Charles Dickens celebration begins Friday, Nov. 30, and carries on through the evening of Saturday, Dec. 1.

The Festivities are as followsFriday, Nov. 30 6 p.m. Watch "A Christmas Carol" at Woodruff Memorial Library – Experience the Christmas Spirit(s) with your family and friends as you watch "A Christmas Carol," starring Alastair Sim. This version of the film is said to be the most authentic to Dickens' writing. Enjoy popcorn and beverages while being taken back to Christmas in 1800s England! Cost is free.

Saturday, Dec. 1 9 to 10:30 a.m. A Dickens Interactive Reading at Woodruff Memorial Library – Children gather 'round for a fun, interactive reading of "A Christmas Carol." Experience the joy of the season by making Christmas cards and creating a scented orange pomander which made for popular gifts during Christmas and New Year's! Cost is free.

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Ornament workshop at the 1st Street Emporium – Get creative and make your own First Annual Dickens Snowman ornament dressed for the holidays in a period top hat, red and green suit, with prim stripped legs bringing gift packages your way. Char Hosea, workshop hostess, has had her delightful dolls featured twice in Prims Magazine. She also sells them at 1stStreet Emporium. Workshop cost is $11.00, which may be paid by going to TheRustyKnob.com and clicking the "what's new" tab, or by e-mailing RustyKnobPrims@yahoo.com. Reservations are required.

2 p.m. Celebrate Dickens at The Picketwire Center for Performing and Visual Arts – Join in a melodious celebration of Charles Dickens through traditional holiday music. You are sure to be charmed by our harmonious vocal choir led by Dean Rees, as well as bell choirs Gloria Bells, and Incredibells! Excerpts from Charles Dickens' Christmas books will be read by La Junta's renowned Grant Elliot! Gather together for this special holiday ensemble! Donations are greatly appreciated.

4 to 5 p.m. Dickens of a Christmas Tea hosted by The Barista – Savor fine teas, cakes, and confections at The Barista while listening to Ed Stafford present a reading from Dickens! Also, enjoy music by Clara Lee Stafford and enjoy sidewalk entertainment by juggler, Cassidy Kahler! Prints in the era of Dickens will be on display and available for purchase. The streets of La Junta will be filled with the delicious aroma of roasted chestnuts tended to gingerly by the chestnut roasting officiate, Kirk Snyder. During the week of Nov. 26 – 30, you may visit The Barista to enter your name in a drawing to be the fortunate recipient of a ride in a festive horse and buggy in the Parade of Lights (weather permitting)! This beautifully decorated exhibit will be on display outside The Barista during the afternoon of the event. Seating for the tea is limited and reservations are required. Cost is $11.50 per person or $20 per couple. Reserve your tickets by calling 384-2133.

5:30 p.m. Keep the Dickens' era tradition alive and join in the merriment of singing traditional Christmas carols downtown around the post office lamppost between Third and Fourth streets on Colorado Avenue before and after the Parade of Lights!

Join in commemorating 200 years of Charles Dickens…Dickens' period costumes are encouraged, so don your wool coats and plaid scarves ye merry wishers!

Direct any inquiries or comments to DickensFestLJ@hotmail.com. You may also visit the La Junta Dickens Fest Facebook page at "Dickens Fest La Junta."

Discounted train ticketsSpecial arrangements have been made (thanks to Beverly Babb) for any persons desiring to ride the Amtrak Train from Lamar to La Junta on the Saturday of the event. Roundtrip tickets will cost only $24 per person. The train is scheduled to depart Lamar at 6:53 a.m. and arrive at approximately 8:15 a.m. The return train is scheduled to depart La Junta at 7:41 p.m. and return to Lamar at approximately 9:41 p.m. This is perfect timing for anyone wanting to partake in the events of the day! Interested parties can contact Amtrak at 384-2275, and mention the Dickens Fest for discounted tickets.